Princess Kate Debuts New Tiara For South Korean State Banquet
The Princess of Wales was effortlessly elegant in a white gown and dazzling tiara as she arrived for tonight’s State Banquet to welcome the President and First Lady of South Korea. Kate, 41, joined her husband Prince William, as well as the King and Queen, in welcoming Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon-hee at the glittering festivities at Buckingham Palace in London.Looking ethereal in a white dress by Jenny Packham, the mother-of-three added to her look with a glitzy pair of earrings belonging to Queen Elizabeth, her Family Order and her GCVO sash and star.
The royal, who was seen arriving in a car, opted for the Strathmore Rose Tiara which belonged to the Queen Mother and was a present from her parents in 1923.
It can be worn on top of the head or across the forehead as a bandeau – as the then Duchess of York chose to do in keeping with the fashion of the times. But the delicate floral design had not been worn in public for many years before tonight.
Kate also donned a yellow brooch which paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The item of jewellery showed a portrait of her husband’s grandmother as a young woman, wearing an evening dress with a ribbon and star of the Order of the Garter.
Some 170 guests are expected to gather this evening, customarily a white tie and tiara affair, in the opulent Palace ballroom.
As well as The Prince and Princess of Wales, the King and Queen will likely to be joined by other members of the royal family, while Charles and Mr Yoon will make speeches.
Foreign secretaries are also usually invited, meaning the newly appointed Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton is likely to make a return to dining at the royal residence, harking back to the days when he was prime minister.
READ: The Important Role Prince William And Kate Play During South Korea State Visit
Charles and Camilla officially welcomed South Korea’s president to Britain today. The pair are hosting Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee for the first incoming state visit since the King’s coronation and the second of his reign.
And earlier this morning, William, 41, and Kate played a key role by greeting President Yoon and his wife at their hotel for a very regal welcome.
The Prince and Princess of Wales – who looked stunning in a red outfit – met the visitors at their London hotel this morning.
Ladies and Gentlemen – It's a new tiara for The #PrincessofWales tonight.
— RegalFille (@RegalFille) November 21, 2023
We saw the return of The Strathmore Rose Tiara. https://t.co/PmDtcN5K84
The pair travelled with Mr Yoon and Mrs Kim to a Horse Guards Parade ceremonial welcome, where the King and Queen were waiting.
Following the event, they travelled to Buckingham Palace to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection relating to South Korea in the Picture Gallery.